Los Angeles (USA): A significant legal battle over the impact of social media on mental health is currently underway in a California court. A 20-year-old woman, identified in court documents as “Cali” or “KGM” for privacy reasons, has filed serious allegations against Meta (parent company of Instagram) and Google (parent company of YouTube).
The plaintiff claims that addiction to Instagram and YouTube “stole her childhood” and severely harmed her mental health.
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Key Allegations and Impact
Testifying before the jury, Cali said that social media gradually took over her daily life.
Addiction: She would check Instagram immediately upon waking up and remain active on social media late into the night.
Impact on Education and Family: Her academic performance suffered, and her relationships with family members deteriorated due to excessive usage.
Mental Health Issues: She was diagnosed with body dysmorphia, a condition involving obsessive concern over perceived flaws in physical appearance.
Early Exposure to Social Media
Cali told the court that:
- She began using YouTube at age 6, and
- Started using Instagram at age 9.
According to her testimony:
- By ages 9–10, she began experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- By age 10, she had engaged in self-harm behaviors, including cutting.
Companies’ Defense and Other Parties
Attorneys representing Meta argued that the root cause of Cali’s mental health struggles stemmed from her family environment, not social media platforms.
Initially, TikTok and Snapchat were also named in the lawsuit, but both companies reached settlements before the trial began.
Notably, Mark Zuckerberg was questioned before the jury for nearly seven hours last week, further intensifying public attention on the case.
Why This Case Matters
The lawsuit could become a landmark case in defining the legal responsibility of social media companies toward young users. A verdict, expected in March, may clarify how far tech companies must go to protect minors from potential psychological harm.
Legal experts suggest the outcome will not only affect Meta and Google but could also set broader precedents for the entire internet industry.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
